Justice Sanjib Banerjee, the former Chief Justice of the High Courts of Meghalaya and Madras, has made a startling revelation, claiming his transfer to the Meghalaya High Court was a direct consequence of reporting corrupt judges to the Chief Justice of India. In an, Justice Banerjee disclosed that he had provided evidence of judicial corruption, which he believed led to his unexpected transfer.
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Justice Banerjee’s allegations shed light on the deep-rooted issues within the judiciary, suggesting that the influence of “corrupt judges” extends to “high places.” He stated,
“That was only the excuse that was allowed to gain currency. The reasons are much more serious and much more deep-rooted; that plagues the institution. The reason is that I found corrupt judges and I reported to my Chief Justice of India about the corrupt judges with evidence backing it up.”
This statement highlights the challenges faced by those who attempt to combat corruption within the legal system.
The former chief justice’s transfer came after the Supreme Court Collegium’s recommendation in September 2021, a move that raised eyebrows given his outspoken nature and commitment to judicial integrity. Justice Banerjee, a Kolkata native with a legal career starting in 1990, was appointed as a permanent judge of the Calcutta High Court in 2006. His career has been marked by a dedication to the law and a willingness to address systemic issues within the judiciary.
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Moreover, Justice Banerjee’s tenure as the Chief Justice of the Madras High Court was notable for his critical stance against the Election Commission of India during the deadly second wave of Covid-19. He accused the commission of being “singularly responsible” for the surge in cases due to its failure to halt political rallies during elections. His bold statement,
“Your institution is singularly responsible for the second wave of Covid-19. Election Commission officers should be booked on murder charges probably,”
underscored his concern for public health and the accountability of public institutions.
Justice Banerjee’s experiences and outspoken remarks offer a rare glimpse into the internal struggles and ethical dilemmas faced by members of the judiciary. His claims of retribution for reporting corruption within the ranks highlight the complexities and challenges of maintaining integrity and transparency in the legal system. As the legal community and the public digest these revelations, the focus intensifies on the mechanisms for addressing corruption and ensuring judicial accountability.
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